More Snow, Powerful Winds in the Mountains of SW Montana

Just about every county in western and central Montana has some sort of weather advisory in effect to kick off this weekend. More snow and very gusty winds are expected, which could make travel difficult at times.

Southwest Montana counties are expecting strong, gusty winds and periods of intense snowfall. Total accumulations are not expected to be huge, but heavy squalls are likely. That means that visibility could drop quickly.

• SOUTHWEST MONTANA (Madison/Gallatin Counties)
• A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON SATURDAY.
• WHAT...Snow expected.
• Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.
• Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
• WHERE...The Mountains of Southwestern Montana south of Interstate 90, and The Madison and Beaverhead River Valleys.
• WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon Saturday.
• IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
• Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Most of the snow will fall during a brief period during the overnight hours, with intense snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour for a time.
• Slow down and use caution while traveling.

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Southwest Montana isn't the only area expecting hazardous travel conditions. In the northwest part of the state, periods of heavy snow is expected.

• NORTHWEST MONTANA/NORTHERN IDAHO
• A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON SATURDAY.
• WHAT...Snow expected.
• Likelihood of moderate impacts from snow is greater than 80 percent.
• Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches above 4000 feet.
• Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
• Below 4000 feet, a trace to 1 inch of snow will be possible, especially on un-paved surfaces.
• WHERE...In IDAHO, Eastern Lemhi County, Northern Clearwater Mountains, and Southern Clearwater Mountains.
• In MONTANA, West Glacier Region and Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.
• WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon Saturday.
• IMPACTS...For MODERATE impacts from snow, expect disruptions to normal activities.
• Expect hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving.
• Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A burst of intense snowfall rates and strong winds will accompany a cold frontal passage across Marias Passes as early as Friday evening before reaching Lost Trail early Saturday morning.